Tour 23) From Bavaria to Bohemia via Austria, Poland and Germany – A Grand Journey Through Central-Eastern Europe – 13 nights / 14 days
Arrival Munich – Neuschwanstein – Innsbruck – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest – Donovaly – Krakow – Wroclaw – Berlin – Dresden – Departure Prague
Day 1 – Arrival in Munich
Arrive in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a first stroll through the historic city center. Discover Marienplatz with its impressive New Town Hall, the Frauenkirche and the lively pedestrian streets. Take in Munich’s unique combination of grand architecture, Bavarian traditions and relaxed atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner or explore the city at leisure. Overnight in Munich.
Day 2 – Munich – Neuschwanstein – Innsbruck – Tyrolean Folk Show
Begin with a morning city tour of Munich, visiting Marienplatz, the historic center and other highlights of the Bavarian capital. Continue through the Alpine scenery to Neuschwanstein Castle, the spectacular fairy-tale palace of King Ludwig II. Afterwards, cross into Austria and continue to Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Alps.” In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf Family, accompanied by a delicious dinner featuring local specialties. Overnight in Innsbruck.
Day 3 – Innsbruck – Swarovski Crystal Worlds – Salzburg
Explore Innsbruck’s historic center, including the famous Golden Roof and Maria-Theresien-Straße. Afterwards, ascend the Nordkette to the “Top of Innsbruck,” where spectacular panoramic views stretch across the city and surrounding Alps. Continue to Wattens for a visit to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, an extraordinary combination of crystal, art and design. Continue through the beautiful Tyrolean and Salzburg landscapes to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy a first glimpse of the historic center. Overnight in Salzburg.
Day 4 – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Vienna
Discover Salzburg during a morning city tour, including Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, Getreidegasse and Salzburg Cathedral. Continue to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most picturesque towns, beautifully situated between Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein mountains. Enjoy time to explore its charming lanes, traditional houses and lakeside scenery. Continue towards Vienna, Austria’s elegant imperial capital. Upon arrival, enjoy a first impression of the city and its grand historic architecture. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 5 – Vienna
Spend the full day discovering Vienna, former capital of the Habsburg Empire. Visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, see the Hofburg Imperial Palace and admire St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Drive along the Ringstrasse and discover Vienna’s grand historic buildings, elegant squares and famous cafés. The city’s rich musical and artistic heritage is reflected throughout its historic center. Enjoy some free time to explore independently, perhaps with a traditional Viennese coffee and pastry. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 6 – Vienna – Parndorf – Bratislava – Budapest
Depart Vienna and stop in Parndorf for shopping, offering a wide range of international brands. Continue to Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital on the Danube, for an orientation tour of its historic Old Town and picturesque streets. Continue south towards Budapest, Hungary’s spectacular capital. On arrival, enjoy a first glimpse of the city, perhaps along the Danube promenade with views of the illuminated Parliament and Buda Castle. Overnight in Budapest.
Day 7 – Budapest
Enjoy a full-day city tour of Budapest, exploring both Buda and Pest. Discover the historic Castle District, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, with magnificent views across the Danube. On the Pest side, see the impressive Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and elegant Andrássy Avenue. Budapest combines grand imperial architecture with a lively modern atmosphere, famous thermal baths and traditional cafés. Enjoy the evening at leisure to experience the city after dark. Overnight in Budapest.
Day 8 – Budapest – Donovaly – Krakow
Leave Budapest and travel north into Slovakia, crossing beautiful mountain landscapes towards the Low Tatras. Continue via Donovaly, a picturesque mountain resort surrounded by forests and Alpine scenery. Cross into Poland and continue towards Krakow, one of Central Europe’s most historic cities. After arrival, enjoy a first introduction to the city, perhaps taking a stroll around the atmospheric Old Town and magnificent Main Market Square. Overnight in Krakow.
Day 9 – Krakow – Auschwitz – Wroclaw
Enjoy a morning city tour of Krakow, discovering the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall and historic streets leading to Wawel Castle. An optional visit can be made to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, an important place of remembrance and historical education. Continue to Wroclaw, one of Poland’s most attractive cities, known for its colorful Market Square, historic buildings, islands and numerous bridges. Arrive in the evening and enjoy a first glimpse of the city. Overnight in Wroclaw.
Day 10 – Wroclaw – Berlin
Begin with a morning city tour of Wroclaw, visiting the beautiful Market Square, historic Town Hall and Cathedral Island. Admire the city’s picturesque bridges and colorful architecture, reflecting its fascinating multicultural history. Continue westwards into Germany and arrive in Berlin, the country’s dynamic capital. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through central Berlin and see landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the illuminated Reichstag area. Overnight in Berlin.
Day 11 – Berlin
Spend a full day exploring Berlin, a city shaped by some of the most important events of modern European history. Discover the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Museum Island, Unter den Linden and the remains of the Berlin Wall. Visit Checkpoint Charlie and the impressive Holocaust Memorial, while also experiencing Berlin’s contemporary architecture and vibrant neighborhoods. The afternoon and evening offer time to explore independently, enjoy local cuisine or discover Berlin’s renowned cultural scene. Overnight in Berlin.
Day 12 – Berlin – Dresden – Prague
Travel south to Dresden, one of Germany’s great cultural and architectural treasures. Explore the historic center and admire the beautifully restored Frauenkirche, the magnificent Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Continue through Saxony and cross into Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Arrive in Prague, the country’s enchanting capital, situated along the Vltava River. Enjoy a first evening stroll through the historic center, discovering its romantic atmosphere and beautifully illuminated medieval streets. Overnight in Prague.
Day 13 – Prague
Enjoy a full-day city tour of Prague, one of Europe’s most impressive historic capitals. Explore Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral before crossing the famous Charles Bridge into the atmospheric Lesser Town. Continue to the Old Town and Old Town Square, dominated by the Astronomical Clock. Admire Prague’s extraordinary mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon or evening to explore the city’s cafés, restaurants and picturesque streets. Overnight in Prague.
Day 14 – Departure from Prague
After breakfast, the tour concludes in Prague. Depending on your departure time, enjoy some final free time for sightseeing, shopping or a relaxing coffee in one of the city’s historic cafés. Take a final walk through the beautiful Old Town before transferring to Prague Airport for your onward flight. Departure from Prague, concluding a memorable journey through Bavaria, the Austrian Alps and the historic cities of Central Europe.